Wednesday, January 09, 2008

Saturday College Continues!

In Fall 2006, Bridges to a Brighter Future expanded the summer program to include a year-round Saturday program called, "Saturday College." This important expansion was funded by The Jolley Foundation. Without their enthusiastic support, we would not have a formal year-round program for students!

We are very excited to report that The Jolley Foundation has funded another two year grant to provide Saturday College through 2010. The Bridges students applauded with great enthusiasm when we announced the continuation of Saturday College.

Saturday College has become a vital aspect of the Bridges students academic success and personal enrichment. Considering that students have sports, academic, and work commitments, the participation rate has been phenomenal. Eighty percent of students attended the first Saturday College in September and the first-year students (Lambda class) boast over 70% participation rate at the monthly program.

At Saturday college, students receive 1 1/2 hours of tutoring provided by Furman Teacher Fellows and Greenville Junior League members. Tutoring is provided in all academic areas. Students note that the tutoring in Saturday College has been a positive contributor to their academic success. In fact, at the November Saturday College, we had all of the students stand with three or more A's or B's on their report cards. Almost the entire room was standing!

Students also receive 1/2 hour academic or personal enrichment workshop. In November, students learned how to write thank you notes and in December they learned about the importance of exercise and exercises they could do at home from Zest Quest Coaches George Booth and David Hughes. We are so thankful to The Jolley Foundation for funding this valuable program!!

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